Network selection involving GANC redirection

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a scheme is provided for effectuating generic access network (GAN) selection with respect to a user equipment (UE) device that is operable in wide area cellular network ((WACN) bands as well as in wireless access network bands (e.g., GAN bands and/or UMA bands). A network node (e.g., a GAN controller (GANC) or UMA network controller (UNC)) is equipped with logic for resolving service requirements as well as network information gathered by the UE device. Based thereon, an appropriate list of UNCs/GANCs is provided to the UE device for selection, the UNCs/GANCs being operable with one more wide area cellular networks identified for the UE device.

PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119(e) & 37 C.F.R. §1.78

This nonprovisional patent application claims priority based upon thefollowing prior U.S. provisional patent application(s): (i) “SYSTEM ANDMETHOD OF NETWORK SELECTION,” Application No.: 60/631,457, filed Nov.29, 2004, in the name(s) of Adrian Buckley, George Baldwin Bumiller andPaul Carpenter, which is (are) hereby incorporated by reference.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application discloses subject matter that is related to the subjectmatter of the following U.S. patent application(s): (i) “SYSTEM ANDMETHOD FOR PROVIDING OPERATOR-DIFFERENTIATED MESSAGING TO A WIRELESSUSER EQUIPMENT (UE) DEVICE” (Docket No. 12613-US-PAT1), Application No.:______, filed even date herewith; and (ii) “SYSTEM AND METHOD FORSUPPORTING GAN SERVICE REQUEST CAPABILITY IN A WIRELESS USER EQUIPMENT(UE) DEVICE” (Docket No. 12613-US-PAT2), Application No.: ______, filedeven date herewith, which is (are) hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present patent disclosure generally relates to communicationnetworks. More particularly, and not by way of any limitation, thepresent patent application is directed to a scheme for network discoveryand selection by a user equipment (UE) device operable in a wirelessaccess network (AN) space that may be interconnected to a wide areacellular network (WACN) space.

BACKGROUND

Wireless access networks have become a key element of a variety oftelecommunications network environments. As to enterprise networks, theyprovide convenient access to network resources for workers carryingportable computers and mobile handheld devices, and for guests ortemporary workers similarly equipped. They also provide a cost-effectivealternative to relocating physical Ethernet jacks in environments wherefacilities are moved or changed frequently. In addition, wireless accesspoints operable with diverse communication/computing devices arebecoming ubiquitous in public environments such as, e.g., hotels,airports, restaurants, and coffee shops. With the increase in high-speedInternet access, the use of access point(s) in the users' homes is alsoenvisioned and has started for other applications.

Concomitantly, several developments in the user equipment (UE) arena arealso taking place to take advantage of the capabilities offered bywireless access networks. Of particular interest is the integration ofcellular phones with the capability to interface with a wireless accessnetwork such as a wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). With such “dualmode” devices becoming available, it should be appreciated that someinterworking mechanism between the cellular network and WLAN would berequired so as to facilitate efficient handover of services from onetype of network to the other.

Current GAN specifications provide that a UE device (e.g., a mobilestation or MS) may register on a wide area cellular network (WACN) suchas a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) if it is discovered and allowedaccording to applicable 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)standards. Also, the UE device may be allowed to register on a GAN undercertain circumstances where there is no WACN connectivity. Additionally,similar network connectivity behavior may be encountered whereUnlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technologies are deployed as well.However, several important issues arise in such a scenario, e.g., numberplan compatibility, service handover, emergency call routing, just toname a few, especially when connectivity to a PLMN is desired via a GANor a UMA-based access network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the embodiments of the present patentapplication may be had by reference to the following DetailedDescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a generalized network environment wherein an embodimentof the present patent disclosure may be practiced;

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a network environment where auser equipment (UE) device is operably disposed for network discovery,selection and redirection in accordance with the teachings of thepresent patent disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts a functional block diagram of a network system where awide area cellular network (WACN) such as a Public Land Mobile Network(PLMN) is accessible through a generic access network (GAN) andassociated controller (GANC);

FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary embodiment of a circuit-switched (CS)protocol stack operable with the network system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary embodiment of a packet-switched (PS)protocol stack operable with the network system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A depicts a network arrangement where an access network (GAN orWireless LAN) is operable to connect to a plurality of PLMNs accordingto one embodiment wherein each PLMN is served by a corresponding GANC;

FIG. 5B depicts a network arrangement where an access network (GAN orWireless LAN) is operable to connect to a plurality of PLMNs accordingto one embodiment wherein a plurality of virtual GANC partitions on asingle GANC are operable to serve the corresponding PLMNs;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a generalized network discovery and selectionscheme according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a flowchart of a method of gathering network informationaccording to one embodiment for purposes of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a flowchart of a GANC discovery and registration methodaccording to one embodiment;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are flowcharts associated with a generalized GANCselection and redirection scheme according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a GANC selection and redirection schemeaccording to yet another configuration;

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary database structure wherein GANC informationis provided by a serving node to a UE device upon resolving networkinformation and service requirements from the UE device according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 11 depicts a functional block diagram of an exemplary GANC/UNC nodeaccording to one embodiment; and

FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a UE device operableto perform the network discovery/selection procedures set forthaccording to the teachings of the present patent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present patent disclosure is broadly directed to a scheme foreffectuating generic access network (GAN) selection with respect to a UEdevice that is operable in wide area cellular network (WACN) bands aswell as in GAN or UMA bands. A network node (e.g., a GAN controller(GANC) or a UMA network controller (UNC)) is equipped with logic forresolving service requirements and network information gathered by theUE device that may be transmitted via a registration request message.Based thereon, an appropriate list of UNCs/GANCs may be provided to theUE device for selection, the UNCs/GANCs being operable with one morewide area cellular networks (i.e., PLMNs) identified for the UE device.

In one aspect, an embodiment of a network selection method is disclosedwhich comprises: gathering network information by a UE device viascanning in at least one band; transmitting by the UE device at leastone of the gathered network information and a set of servicerequirements to a network node; and resolving the network informationand the set of service requirements by the network node to determine anappropriate list of GANCs operable with a plurality of wide areacellular networks identified for the UE device, wherein the list ofGANCs is transmitted to the UE device via a response message forselection by the UE device.

In another aspect, an embodiment of a network selection system isdisclosed which comprises: means associated with a UE device forgathering network information via scanning in at least one band; meansassociated with the UE device for transmitting at least one of thegathered network information and a set of service requirements to anetwork node; and means associated with the network node for resolvingthe network information and the set of service requirements to determinean appropriate list of GANCs operable with a plurality of wide areacellular networks identified for the UE device, wherein the list ofGANCs is transmitted to the UE device via a response message forselection by the UE device.

In a still further aspect, an embodiment of a UE device is disclosedwhich comprises: a logic module for facilitating identification of a setof appropriate service requirements relative to operating the UE device;a communication subsystem for gathering network information via scanningin at least one band and for transmitting at least one of the gatherednetwork information and the service requirements to a network node; anda logic module for selecting a GANC from a set of GANCs provided by thenetwork node, the list of GANCs being determined upon resolving thenetwork information and the service requirements by the network node.The identified GANCs are operable with at least a portion of the widearea cellular networks identified for the UE device, wherein the set ofGANCs is transmitted to the UE device via a response message forselection by the UE device.

In yet another aspect, an embodiment of a GANC node operable with a UEdevice disposed in a wireless environment is disclosed which comprises:means for receiving at least one of network information and a set ofservice requirements from the UE device via a registration requestmessage; means for resolving the network information and the set ofservice requirements to determine an appropriate list of GANCs operablewith one or more wide area cellular networks identified for the UEdevice; and means for transmitting the list of GANCs to the UE devicevia a response message responsive to the registration request message.

A system and method of the present patent disclosure will now bedescribed with reference to various examples of how the embodiments canbest be made and used. Like reference numerals are used throughout thedescription and several views of the drawings to indicate like orcorresponding parts, wherein the various elements are not necessarilydrawn to scale. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly toFIG. 1, depicted therein is an exemplary generalized network environment100 wherein an embodiment of the present patent disclosure may bepracticed. A user equipment (UE) device 102 may comprise any portablecomputer (e.g., laptops, palmtops, or handheld computing devices) or amobile communications device (e.g., cellular phones or data-enabledhandheld devices capable of receiving and sending messages, webbrowsing, et cetera), or any enhanced personal digital assistant (PDA)device or integrated information appliance capable of email, video mail,Internet access, corporate data access, messaging, calendaring andscheduling, information management, and the like, that is preferablyoperable in one or more modes of operation. For example, UE device 102may operate in the cellular telephony band frequencies as well aswireless Local Area Network (WLAN) bands, or possibly in the WLAN bandsalone. Further, other bands in which the UE device could operatewirelessly may comprise Wi-Max bands or one or more satellite bands.Additionally, the network environment 100 is comprised of three broadcategories of communication spaces capable of providing service to UEdevice 102. In wide area cellular network (WACN) space 104, there mayexist any number of Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) that areoperable to provide cellular telephony services which may or may notinclude packet-switched data services. Depending on the coverage area(s)and whether the user is roaming, WACN space 104 can include a number ofcellular RANs, associated home networks (i.e., home PLMNs or HPLMNs) 110and visited networks (i.e., VPLMNS) 112, each with appropriateinfrastructure such as Home Location Register (HLR) nodes 115, MobileSwitching Center (MSC) nodes 116, and the like. Since the WACN space 104may also include a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network thatprovides a packet radio access for mobile devices using the cellularinfrastructure of a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)-basedcarrier network, a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) 114 is exemplifiedtherein. Additionally, by way of generalization, the PLMNs of the WACNspace 104 may comprise networks selected from the group comprising oneor more Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) networks,Integrated Digital Enhanced Networks (IDENs), Code Division MultipleAccess (CDMA) networks, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System(UMTS) networks, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Networks (UTRANs),or any 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)-compliant network(e.g., 3GPP or 3GPP2), all operating with well known frequencybandwidths and protocols.

Further, UE device 102 is operable to obtain service from an accessnetwork (AN) space 106 that is operably associated with the WACN space104. In one implementation, the AN space 106 includes one or moregeneric access networks (GANs) 118 as well as any type of WLANarrangements 120. GAN 118, described in additional detail below, isoperable to provide access services between UE device 102 and a PLMNcore network using a broadband Internet Protocol (IP)-based network.WLAN arrangements 120 provide short-range wireless connectivity to UEdevice 102 via access points (APs) or “hot spots,” and can beimplemented using a variety of standards, e.g., IEEE 802.11b, IEEE802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, HiperLan and HiperLan II standards, Wi-Maxstandard, OpenAir standard, and the Bluetooth standard. Accordingly, itis envisaged that the AN space 106 may be inclusive of UMA-based accessnetworks that deploy UMA network controller (UNC) nodes for effectuatingseamless transitions between cellular RAN (part of the WACN space 104)and unlicensed wireless networks.

In one embodiment, interfacing between the WACN and AN spaces may beeffectuated in accordance with certain standards. For instance, GAN 118may be interfaced with a PLMN core using the procedures set forth in the3GPP TR 43.901 and 3GPP TS 43.xxx documents as well as relateddocumentation. Likewise, WLAN 120 may interfaced with a PLMN core usingthe procedures set forth in the 3GPP TS 22.234, 3GPP TS 23.234 and 3GPPTS 24.234 documents as well as related documentation, and may thereforebe referred to as an Interworking WLAN (I-WLAN) arrangement.

Additionally, there may exist an access network (AN) space 108 notinterfaced to the WACN space 104 that offers short-range wirelessconnectivity to UE device 102. For instance, AN space 108 may compriseWLANs 122 offering non-3GPP services, such as communications over“public” access points (hotels, coffee shops, bookstores, apartmentbuildings, educational institutions, etc., whether free or for fee),enterprise access points, and visited (other enterprise) access pointswhere the user may not be a member of that enterprise but is allowed atleast some services.

Given the mosaic of the wireless network environment 100 in which UEdevice 102 may be disposed, it is desirable that a vertical handovermechanism exists such that the user can engage in a call as it movesfrom a PLMN's radio access network (RAN) to a GAN (i.e., handover in) orfrom GAN to the PLMN's RAN (i.e., handover out). It should be recognizedthat for purposes of the present patent disclosure, the terms “GAN” or“WLAN” may be interchangeable, and may also include any UMA-based accessnetworks as well. At any rate, in order to facilitate such functionalityas well as to customize and enhance the overall user experienceassociated therewith, the present patent disclosure provides a schemewherein network information gathered by the UE device as well asinformation relating to its service options, plans, features, and thelike (more generally, “service requirements”) is transmitted to anetwork node disposed in the wireless environment 100 so that suitablenetwork-based logic is operable to respond with appropriate networkselections, lists, etc. that the UE device may use. Further, as will beseen in detail below, such network-based logic may invoke proceduresthat involve one or more correlation and filtering schemes, databasequeries, such that redirection to more optimal networks may beeffectuated in the generalized network environment 100.

To formalize the teachings of the present disclosure, reference is nowtaken to FIG. 2 wherein an exemplary embodiment of a network environment200 is shown that is a more concrete subset of the generalized networkenvironment 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. As depicted, UE device 102 isoperably disposed for discovering a set of PLMNs that allow access viaconventional RAN infrastructure in addition to having connectivity withone or more GANs accessible to UE device 102. By way of example, GAN-1202-1 through GAN-N 202-N, which may be generalized for purposes of thepresent patent disclosure to also include any type of WLAN and/or I-WLANarrangements (known or heretofore unknown), are operable to bediscovered by UE device. A GAN may support connectivity to one or morePLMNS, or none at all, which can include VPLMNs 204-1 through 204-M aswell as HPLMNs (e.g., HPLMN 206) with respect to UE device 102. WhereGAN-PLMN connectivity is supported, which PLMNs behind a particular GANare visible to UE device 102 may depend on a number of commercialfactors, e.g., contractual arrangements between GAN operators and PLMNoperators. As illustrated, GAN-1 202-1 supports connectivity to VPLMN-1204-1 and VPLMN-2204-2. Likewise, GAN-2 202-1 supports connectivity toVPLMN-M 204-M as well as to HPLMN 206. On the other hand, GAN-N 202-Nhas no connectivity to the wide area PLMNs.

As is well known, each of the wide area cellular PLMNs may be arrangedas a number of cells, with each cell having sectors (e.g., typicallythree 120-degree sectors per base station (BS) or cell). Each cell maybe provided with a cell identity, which can vary depending on theunderlying WACN technology. For example, in GSM networks, eachindividual cell is provided with a Cell Global Identification (CGI)parameter to identify them. A group of cells is commonly designated as aLocation Area (LA) and may be identified by an LA Identifier (LAI).Further, at the macro level, the PLMNs may be identified in accordancewith the underlying technology. For instance, GSM-based PLMNs may beidentified by an identifier comprised of a Mobile Country Code (MCC) andMobile Network Code (MNC). Analogously, the CDMA/TDMA-based PLMNs may beidentified by a System Identification (SID) parameter. Regardless of thecellular infrastructure, all cells broadcast the macro level PLMNidentifiers such that a wireless device (e.g., UE device 102) wishing toobtain service can identify the wireless network.

FIG. 3 depicts a functional block diagram of an exemplary network system300 where a wide area cellular PLMN 306 is accessible to UE device 102through a GAN 302 and associated controller (GANC) 304. Essentially, inthe embodiment shown, GAN 302 is operable as a broadband IP-based accessnetwork providing access to the well known A/Gb interfaces of PLMN 306,wherein GANC 300 is a network node coupled to GAN 302 via a Up referencepoint interface 303. As provided in applicable 3GPP specificationdocuments, the Up reference point 303 defines the interface between GANC304 and UE device 102. Where the GAN is operable to co-exist with theGSM/EDGE RAN (GERAN) infrastructure, it interconnects to the core PLMNvia the same A/Gb interfaces used by a standard GERAN Base StationSubsystem (BSS) network element. Accordingly, the functionality of GANC304 includes necessary protocol interworking so as to emulate thefunctionality of the GERAN BSS (not shown in this FIGURE). TheA-interface 305 defines the interface for GSM-based circuit-switched(CS) services and is disposed between GANC 304 and an MSC 308 of PLMN306. The Gb-interface 307 defines the interface for GPRS-basedpacket-switched (PS) services and is disposed between GANC 304 and anSGSN 310 of PLMN 306. A Security Gateway (SGW) 311 may also be includedin GANC 304 that is interfaced via a Wm reference point 309 (as definedby 3GPP TS 23.234) with an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting(AAA) proxy/server node 312 disposed in PLMN 306, wherein an HLR 316 isoperably coupled to AAA node 312. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that similar infrastructure may be deployed in a UMA-basedimplementation wherein a UMA network controller or UNC is operablegenerally in the same way as GANC 304.

In operation, GANC 304 appears to the core PLMN 306 as a GERAN BSSnetwork element by mimicking the role of the Base Station Controller(BSC) in the GERAN architecture as seen from the perspective of the A/Gbinterfaces. Accordingly, PLMN 306 to which GANC 304 is connected isunaware of the underlying access mechanism being supported by GANC,which is different from the radio access supported by the BSC. Asalluded to before, GAN 302 disposed between generic access (GA)-enabledUE device 102 and GANC 304 may be effectuated by a suitable broadband IPnetwork. The overall functionality provided by GANC 304 includes thefollowing:

-   -   User plane CS services that involve interworking CS bearers over        Up interface to CS bearers over A-interface, including        appropriate transcoding of voice to/from UE and PCM voice        from/to the MSC.    -   User plane PS services that involve interworking data transport        channels over Up interface to packet flows over Gb interface.    -   Control plane functionality including: (i) SGW for the set-up of        secure tunnel with UE for mutual authentication, encryption and        data integrity; (ii) registration for GAN service access and        providing system information; (iii) set-up of GAN bearer paths        for CS and PS services (e.g., establishment, management, and        teardown of signaling and user plane bearers between UE the        GANC); and (iv) GAN functional equivalents to GSM Radio Resource        (RR) management and GPRS Radio Link Control (RLC) such as for        paging and handovers.

FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary embodiment of a protocol stack 400Aoperable with the CS domain signaling plane associated with the networksystem 300 shown in FIG. 3. Likewise, FIG. 4B depicts an exemplaryembodiment of a protocol stack 400B operable with the PS domainsignaling plane associated with network system 300. Additional detailsregarding generic access to the A/Gb interfaces and associatedarchitecture may be found in the applicable 3GPP specificationsidentified in the U.S. provisional patent applications that have beenreferenced and incorporated hereinabove. Furthermore, to be consistentwith the broad generalization of the teachings of the present patentdisclosure, an “access network server” may comprehend a network node orelement operable to interface between the core PLMN and the UE as setforth above, which may include a GANC or a UNC as a specificimplementation.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that given the mosaicof various GANs/WLANs and PLMNs provided within a generalized networkenvironment such as the network environments described hereinabove withrespect to FIGS. 1 and 2, a number of GAN/GANC configurations arepossible from the perspective of providing access between a UE deviceand the available WACNs (i.e., PLMNs). FIG. 5A depicts a networkarrangement 500A where a single access network (AN) 502 is operable toconnect to a plurality of PLMNs 504-1 through 504-K according to oneembodiment, wherein each PLMN is served by a corresponding GANC. By wayof illustration, AN 502 may be generalized as a GAN which can be a WLANoperable with the GANC protocols described above, wherein a plurality ofUp interfaces 503-1 through 503-K are supported for coupling to theGANCs. Reference numerals 506-1 through 506-K refer to a plurality ofseparate GANC nodes, each for interfacing with a particular PLMNassociated therewith, wherein MSCs 508-1 through 508-K and SGSNs 510-1through 510-K are illustrative of respective PLMN's infrastructure. Oneskilled in the art should recognize that although each PLMN is providedwith a SGSN node, it is not a requirement for purposes of the presentdisclosure, and PLMNs 504-1 through 504-K may be implemented inaccordance with different wide area cellular technologies, protocols andstandards.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, depicted therein is an alternative networkarrangement 500B where AN 502 (GAN or Wireless LAN) is operable toconnect to the plurality of PLMNs 504-1 through 504-K via a singlephysical GANC 550 that supports a plurality of virtual GANC partitions552-1 through 552-K. Each virtual GANC (VGANC) is independently operableto provide the requisite A/Gb interfacing functionality with respect toa corresponding PLMN. Accordingly, there is one logical GANC per PLMNthat it connects to. Such a deployment may be used where the PLMNssupporting the WLAN connectivity do not see the need to own and operatetheir own GANC.

Based on the foregoing discussion, it should be appreciated that the GANarchitecture provides a generalized framework for interworking WLANswith 3GPP-compliant WACNs by utilizing existing protocols, e.g., GPRS,whereby little or no adaptation or standardization work is required tobe performed in the core. This allows for services to be handed overfrom a GAN/WLAN to a 3GPP-compliant WACN and vice versa, keeping thesignaling and user plane traffic intact. However, as CS-switchedprotocols and GPRS protocols (Logical Link Control or LLC andSub-Network Dependent Convergence Protocol or SNDCP) are used, theGAN/WLAN that is chosen must be able to reach an MSC/SGSN that is in thesame PLMN as the MSC/SGSN used to terminate the GAN/WLAN traffic. Tofurther complicate matters, a GAN/WLAN could connect to many PLMNs eachhaving a separate, independently discoverable GANC node as describedhereinabove. When a user encounters such a GAN/WLAN environment, thereis currently no standardized procedure to define the selection of aparticular GANC. As a consequence, a number of potential issues arisewherein the overall user experience as well as call handover behaviormay be negatively impacted. For instance, if a GA-compliant UE devicethat operates in dual mode (i.e., two different technologies, eachpreferably in a separate band, for example) discovers a macro PLMN orWACN and subsequently chooses a GANC that belongs to a different WACN,handover between the AN and WACN spaces would not work. Such issues mayalso arise in network arrangements where a single GANC is partitioned tosupport a number of independently discoverable VGANC partitions.

Further, because of various levels of technology penetration anddeployment in different regions and countries, additional complexitiescan arise where the AN and WACN spaces are to be interfaced using theGAN/WLAN approach. For example, a GA-compliant UE device may find itselfin an area where there is no WACN coverage but there is WLAN coverage.If one or more WLANs are based on the I-WLAN approach rather than theGAN architecture, it is preferable that the UE differentiate between GANand I-WLAN due to the differences in various control processes, e.g.,registration, de-registration, etc., in addition to whatever servicedifferences that may exist between them. For purposes of highlightingthe scope of the present patent disclosure, some of the userexperience-related issues are set forth below.

-   -   The UE is not currently registered on a WACN.

Here the UE cannot check the cellular band signals to determine thecountry it is in (i.e., MCC is unknown) to select the best or optimalprovider. Although HPLMN is usually selected first, VPLMN preference maydepend on location (e.g., country). In this situation, the UE may notknow which VPLMN it prefers to connect to when it is examining theavailable GAN/WLANs.

-   -   The operator's “Preferred PLMN” list on the Subscriber Identity        Module (SIM) or Removable user Identity Module (RUIM) associated        with the user does not take into account the UE's need for PS        data services (e.g., GPRS capability) or other services such as        Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) services. Such a situation may        arise where the PLMN list is based only on CS voice roaming        agreements and, as a result, the user may not be able to use        email and other data services. One skilled in the art will note        that such an issue can arise whether or not GAN or I-WLAN is        used.    -   Some or all of the operator-controlled lists for PLMNs may not        be up-to-date, or particular entries for the country the UE is        operating in may not be current.    -   Because it takes up capacity to update lists over the cellular        band, the HPLMN may wish to update lists during off-hours or        when the UE is connected over I-WLAN or GAN.    -   When there are no WACN signals to allow the UE to determine the        MCC, the availability of AGPS (Assisted Global Positioning        System) in the UE, or a (manual) user input, as well as recent        (i.e., time-stamped) information on WACN MCC may be helpful.    -   The case of operation close to country border(s) may result in        the UE obtaining signals from more than one MCC, enabling user        choice or “least cost” choice.

Those skilled in the art should recognize that the list set forth aboveis purely illustrative rather than limiting. It is envisaged that uponreference hereto various related problems may become apparent withrespect to user experience and call behavior in the context ofinterfacing between GAN/WLAN and PLMN spaces.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the GA-capable UE may operate ineither Automatic or Manual mode with certain differences in networkdiscovery and selection procedures, although the particular features andcapabilities of the two may vary depending on the applicablespecification(s) as well as any modifications and changes that may bemade to them. In general, the Manual mode allows the user to do moredetailed selection/filtering of the available PLMNs, the bearer(s) to beused, and potentially even of the method to be used when using WLAN orother unlicensed radio technology (i.e., I-WLAN, GAN, or just aconnection through the WLAN to the PLMN). Additional details regardingnetwork discovery and selection may be found in one or more of theabove-referenced U.S. provisional patent application(s) andnonprovisional patent application(s).

Referring now to FIG. 6, shown therein is a flowchart of a generalizednetwork discovery and selection scheme according to one embodimentwherein a UE device is disposed in a network environment comprising aGAN/WLAN space as well as a WACN space. As illustrated, the flowchart ofFIG. 6 captures a methodology where the UE device gathers appropriatenetwork information upon power-up and initial discovery (as perapplicable 3GPP-compliant procedures), which is then transmitted to anetwork node for determining a more optimal network arrangement (i.e.,appropriate GANC+PLMN combination), preferably in view of the UEdevice's service requirements that may also be advertised to the networknode. Accordingly, by effectuating appropriate resolution ofUE-discovered network information and its service requirements, thenetwork node is amenable to provide suitable instructions to the UEdevice for obtaining better service instantiation, which may includeredirection to more suitable networks, location-based filtering, and thelike.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, at block 602, the UE device gathersnetwork information via scanning relative to one or more WACNtechnologies, bands, and frequencies. Additionally or alternatively, theUE device is also adapted to gather network information via scanningrelative to one or more GAN/WLAN technologies, bands, and frequencies(block 604). Thereafter, the UE device transmits the gathered networkinformation as well as service/feature requirements (e.g., voice-onlyservices, data-only services, voice-and-data services, GAN services,handover services, UMA services capability, calling plans associatedwith said UE device, and/or location area information associated withthe UE device, et cetera) to a network node (block 606). In oneembodiment, the gathered network information may comprise at least oneof cell identity information of a WACN on which the UE device isregistered (i.e., CGI information of a registered GSM/GERAN), CGI/cellID information relating to other available wide area cellular networks,cause values of any prior registration failures, Broadcast ControlChannel (BCCH) information of at least one available wide area cellularnetwork, and Packet Control Channel (PCCH) information of at least oneavailable wide area cellular network. As alluded to hereinabove, in oneembodiment, WACNs may be identified by their {MCC,MNC} combinations.Also, additional features such as identifying whether a particular WACNis data-capable (e.g., GPRS-capable) may also be provided. To the extentthe UE device is adapted to operate based on various network lists,stored or otherwise, additional selection criteria and filters such asForbidden GAN/PLMN lists, Priority GAN/PLMN lists (which may be stored,for example, in a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or Removable userIdentity Module (RUIM), or in a device memory) and the like, may also beprovided to the network node. In a further implementation, the UE couldalso list PLMNs that only provide WACN and/or WAN coverage.

It should be realized that scanning operations set forth above may beperformed via active scanning or passive scanning methods. Also, theremay be more than one band operable with GANs and/or with PLMNs. In oneinstance, a frequency band may be selected from the group comprising 450MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1700 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2700 MHz,or other frequencies and/or any satellite bands.

Upon receiving the gathered network information, service requirementinformation and/or location information from the UE device, the servicelogic associated with the network node is operable to resolve theservice requirements requested by the UE device in view of the otherbodies of the received information so that a determination may be madeas to whether additional or alternative network arrangements areavailable for the UE device. In some implementations, such resolutionmay involve interfacing with additional network nodes and databases(e.g., HPLMN and/or home GANC, service databases, roaming databases, andso on). Thereafter, appropriate instructions may be provided via asuitable response message to the UE device, including pertinentinformation relative to any additional or alternative networkarrangements. These operations are illustrated in block 608. Based onthe instructions received from the network node, the UE device may thenengage in obtaining appropriate service, which can sometimes warrantnetwork redirection (block 610).

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict flowcharts of exemplary scenarios of the networkinformation collection process set forth above. Presently, applicableGAN specifications state that a UE device, e.g., a mobile station (MS),shall first register on a GSM/GERAN PLMN if found and allowed accordingto current 3GPP network selection procedures. Accordingly, the processflow exemplified in FIG. 7A begins with scanning available bands forGERAN PLMN networks (block 702). For each GERAN PLMN found, informationis obtained and stored (blocks 704, 706 and 708), e.g., CGI information,BCCH and/or PCCH information, etc. The UE device then selects andregisters on a GERAN PLMN (block 710) according to 3GPP specifications,which may be mediated by the UE device's network lists, preferences, andother filters. If the registration with a particular PLMN fails, thereason for failure is stored as a cause value (blocks 712 and 714). Oncethe reason for failure is stored, the registration process may repeatwith respect to the additional PLMNs discovered according to 3GPPspecifications (block 716). On the other hand, if the PLMN registrationis successful or if registration with no PLMN has been successful andthe UE device is allowed to operate in GAN-only mode, further processflow may accordingly follow (block 718). However, if the PLMNregistration is successful but that PLMN does not support GANconnectivity, various concerns might arise that could negatively impactthe service selection behavior of the UE device.

With respect to operating in GAN-mode, the UE device is operable toprovide a number of information elements to a GANC node with which itestablishes initial connectivity. Preferably, as pointed out in theforegoing discussion, such information can include network informationgathered via scanning in other bands or modes as well as servicerequirements. Referring to FIG. 7B in particular, upon successfulregistration a PLMN or failure to register on any PLMN (block 750), theUE device is operable to search for a GAN network (block 752),preferably according to applicable 3GPP specifications. Once a UniformResource Locator (URL) or IP address of a GANC node has been obtained(block 754), the UE device authenticates and registers with the GANCusing, for instance, known Generic Access—Resource Control (GA-RC)REGISTER REQUEST messaging (block 756). In accordance with thediscussion set forth in the foregoing sections, such a registrationmessage to the GANC may include information elements pertaining to anyof the following in any combination:

-   -   registered GERAN CGI information if available;    -   if the registration is for voice and/or data;    -   services and features requested by the UE device, e.g.,        voice-only services, data-only services, voice-and-data        services, GAN services, multimedia services, value-added        services, etc.;    -   if handover is required;    -   if home-country-calls-only calls are required;    -   prior GERAN PLMN registration attempts and associated cause        values for failure;    -   the registration request may also include GERAN PLMN information        for which registration was successful but a GANC redirect was        received. Any VPLMN information identified therein may be marked        as such (described in detail hereinbelow);    -   CGI information for other PLMNs available; and    -   BCCH/PCCH information for available PLMNs. For instance, in one        implementation, BCCH/PCCH information for all available PLMNs        are included. In other implementations, BCCH/PCCH information        for a portion of available PLMNs may be included.        Further, upon successful authentication and registration with        the GANC, additional network information may be collected by the        UE device (e.g., appropriate network arrangement via a suitable        response message), as illustrated in block 758.

Those skilled in the art should recognize upon reference hereto thatadditional operations and/or information elements may be involved if theregistration processes take place after the initial network discoveryand registration process by the UE device as set forth above. Forinstance, with respect to WACN space (e.g., GERAN), if the UE devicereceives a redirect message from a GANC node (which could be a separatemessage or part of a general redirect message, as will be set forth infurther detail below), the UE device may deregister from the currentserving GERAN VPLMN and attempt registration on the VPLMNs in a numberof ways. By way of illustration, the VPLMNs may be provided by the GANCin some priority order which may be followed by the UE device.Alternatively, if no order has been provided, a VPLMN may be chosen fromthe supplied list at random. With respect to subsequent registrations inGAN space, if the UE device has been redirected to another VPLMN andregistration with that new VPLMN is successful, the UE device may berequired to re-register with the home GANC using the same GAN as before.Alternatively, the UE device may register with the GANC associated withthe new VPLMN if that information has been made available by theredirecting GANC. In a still further variation, there may be nosubsequent GANC registration pursuant to instructions from the GANC.

Given the interfacing between the WACN and GAN spaces as described inthe foregoing sections, selecting a proper PLMN and GANC combinationthat allows optimal service may be modulated based on a number offactors, e.g., service requirements, available network information,service capabilities, location information, and the like. When a servingnetwork node (e.g., a default GANC or a provisioning GANC) receivesappropriate information from the UE device, at least part of the servicelogic involves resolving whether a home GANC or a GANC associated with aVPLMN should provide service to the UE device. FIGS. 8A and 8B are twoflowcharts associated with GANC selection and optional redirection inaccordance with an embodiment of the present patent disclosure. When theserving network node receives information from a UE device (block 802),the service logic associated with the node determines (i) if local homenetwork calls are required; and/or (ii) if handover is not required andno VPLMN GANC can be used (block 804). If so, the network node providesinstructions to the UE device to select a home network GANC (block 806).On the other hand, based on the received information from the UE device(block 820), the network node service logic determines (i) handover ofservices is required; and/or (ii) VPLMN dialing plan is required (block822). In that case, the network node provides instructions to the UEdevice to select a VPLMN-associated GANC (block 824).

It should be apparent that the service logic is preferably operable toevaluate and resolve a number of service scenarios based on thecombinations of service and feature requirements as well as the networkinformation received from the UE device. Additional details andflowcharts regarding exemplary service scenarios may be found in one ormore of the above-referenced U.S. provisional patent applications andnonprovisional patent applications, which are incorporated by reference.Set forth below is a discussion on a generalized service scenariowherein redirection may be employed by a GANC node (regardless ofwhether it is a home GANC, a default GANC or some other provisioningGANC).

Referring now to FIG. 9, shown therein is a flowchart of a GANCselection and redirection scheme in one embodiment. For purposes ofillustration, an HPLMN GANC node is provided as the network node thateventually resolves the various service and feature requirements as wellas the network information gathered by a UE device. Upon receiving thepertinent information from the UE device (e.g., via a REGISTER REQUESTmessage, as alluded to previously), the GANC node may perform one ormore database queries involving local and/or remote databases in orderto evaluate roaming service agreements, service capabilities, addresslookup, etc. (block 902). If the VPLMN that the UE device is registeredon is determined to have GAN connectivity (block 904), then the HPLMNGANC is operable to send a redirect message to the UE device (e.g., aGA-RC REGISTER REDIRECT message) which contains the URL/IP address ofthe VPLMN GANC node (block 906). On the other hand, where the registeredVPLMN does not have GAN connectivity, the service logic is operable todetermine whether there exist other PLMNs that support GANCs. If so,their URL/IP address information may also be determined by performingappropriate database queries. Additionally, such determinations may beevaluated responsive to other information such as the UE's location,existence of applicable service arrangements, etc. These determinationsare consolidated in block 908. In one embodiment, it may involveverifying that the cells identified in received broadcast informationstill include cells that are available for use. The VPLMNs that arestill available after this initial investigation may optionally be sentto a roaming database to determine of a roaming agreement exists betweenthe HPLMN and VPLMN(s). If a suitable roaming agreement exists,preferred PLMN information may also be returned to the HPLMN GANC. Afterthese optional procedures, the service logic of the GANC may transmitthe filtered VPLMN information to another database to determine theURLs/IP addresses of available GANCs. Where redirection is establishedto be appropriate, a suitable redirect message (e.g., a GA-RC REGISTERREDIRECT message) may be transmitted to the UE device which includes oneor more URLs/IP addresses of GANCs associated with a plurality ofavailable VPLMNs (block 910). Otherwise, a response message may beprovided to the UE device that indicates a number of options (block912). For example, the response message may include an indication thatno GAN services are available to the UE device. Alternatively oradditionally, the response message may include one or more supplementaryfields which indicate additional capabilities, service requests, etc.where applicable, as explained in one or more related patentapplications cross-referenced hereinabove.

With respect to the general syntax of the redirect messages set forthabove, one embodiment may include a list of PLMN Identities (e.g.,{MCC,MNC} combinations) as well as supported services and/or featuresthat may be mandatory or optional. In another embodiment, the redirectmessage may include a list of GANC addresses (i.e., URLs, IP addresses)as well as supported services and/or features. In this case, only GANCaddress information is mandatory, the other elements may be optional.

If a redirect message is received, the UE device's behavior may bemodulated accordingly as set forth in the following. For instance, ifthe message contains only URL/IP address information, the UE mayregister with the GANC having highest priority URL/IP address. If thisregistration fails, then registration with additional GANCs may beattempted based on their priority order (which may be indicated by meansof a flag or other indicium). Likewise, if the redirect message containsWACN/PLMN information only, the UE device may attempt successiveregistrations with the PLMNs received based on their priority as well.On the other hand, if the redirect message includes both GANC addressesas well as PLMN information, an exemplary embodiment may require thatthe UE device first register with a network in the PLMN space. Uponsuccessful registration therewith, the UE device may then register withthe GANC associated with the selected PLMN.

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary database structure 1000 associated with aserving network node that may be developed upon resolving networkinformation and service requirements of a UE device. Additionally, thedatabase structure information 1000 may be used as the structure of thedata sent in a redirect message such as, e.g., the GA-RC REGISTERREDIRECT message described above. A VPLMN Identity column 1002 includesnetwork identities based on the underlying WACN technology for theavailable PLMNs. For GERAN, as an example, the Identities are comprisedof {MCC,MNC} combinations. Other Identities (e.g., Network ID-1 throughNetwork ID-3) may also be provided in some implementations. Referencenumeral 1004 refers to a column of GANCs that identifies one or moreURL/IP addresses of GANCs that provide GAN connectivity with respect tothe VPLMNs identified in column 1002. It should be noted that not allPLMNs may have corresponding GANC address information, however. Forinstance, the GERAN PLMN identified as {MCCc,MNCc} does not have anycorresponding GANC address information, indicating that such VPLMNinformation may not be transmitted as part of a redirect message to a UEdevice.

Although not explicitly provided in the database structure 1000, theVPLMN Identities and corresponding GANC addresses may be listed in aparticular priority. Furthermore, the VPLMN and GANC information may befiltered based on application of location information associated withthe UE device as well. It should also be noted that there are multipletypes of location and identification information, and multiple uses ofsuch location and identification. This information is generally lackingin non-cellular wireless access technologies; typically only a ServiceSet ID (SSID) may be provided, and there is no regulatory requirementfor that SSID to be registered or to provide defined information to theuser, or even to provide unique information to the user. Exemplarylocation and identification information may include:

A. Cellular/WACN

1. MCC

-   -   a. Cellular MCC (e.g., GSM)    -   b. Country code associated with a microcell (or even a small        macrocell) on a vehicle (e.g., ships, planes, trains, buses,        etc.)

2. MNC

3. LAI

4. CGI, etc.

5. Network generated information such as current cell (and sector)

6. Geolocation based on network information, of varying degrees ofaccuracy

7. Geolocation based on handset assisted GPS or other positioning system

B. WLAN/GAN

-   -   Service Set ID (SSID)    -   Other

C. Manual input information and other information

1. AP building and floor and room location and similar descriptiveinformation.

2. AP information based on location information derived from dual modehandsets, where the location of the handset is then transferred to adatabase to provide some (perhaps gross or rough) information on thelocation of the AP. Could be geographic information or could indicatethe LAI or CGI of cellular systems.

3. AP information, as in (2), but derived from recent information fromthe handset, e.g., the cell and network that the handset was viewing afew minutes ago before the user walked into a building and lostcoverage. The time between loss of cellular or other information and theconnection to the access point is a means of further identifying thepotential lack of accuracy of the information.

4. Indication of the type of AP.

-   -   a. small, potentially easily moved    -   b. fixed in place (at least initially)    -   c. mobile, as on a ship or in a plane or on a train—there may be        specific types of country codes when the devices in part of a        vehicle

5. Whether the connectivity of the AP has changed.

6. Location (GPS or other, even manual entry) of the ship, plane orvehicle with an AP or microcell.

It should be realized by those skilled in the art that the locationinformation may be developed by one element (i.e., a UE device) andstored in another element (AP, or microcell or base station controlleror GANC), or even in a “universal” database within a PLMN or operator.Further, it should be recognized that location of an AP and its relationto the elements of other (even competing) networks is useful for manypurposes, such as assisting in handover (or similar) transition of thehandset connectivity, which may include “roving” as defined in 3GPPdocumentation. By way of illustration, exemplary uses of location andidentification information include:

-   -   Identification of the operator and/or PLMN or otherwise defined        network    -   Identification of relationship with an operator or PLMN or        otherwise defined network    -   Identification of location        -   a. For E911 and public safety purposes        -   b. Including passing of information to the PSAP (Public            Safety Answer Point)        -   c. For commercial purposes    -   Operation of a cellular network or of an unlicensed network.

The brief taxonomy set forth above suggests that there could beadditional information and categories of information passed to the PSAPon emergency calls, to assist the public safety forces. This informationmay be derived from the UE device, from the actual AP such as amicrocell (cellular) or a GAN/WLAN AP. There may be more than oneelement of location information that is applicable to a specific UEdevice and user. That information may have been developed by anotherdevice on the same AP or microcell, or by database lookup of processedand combined data. It may include recent data, perhaps minutes or tensof minutes or older, or when current information is lacking or when therecent data is imprecise, it may be extrapolated to improve upon thecurrent data. For example, the AGPS, CGI, or other location informationmay be captured by the UE and time-stamped. When a subscriber brings theUE into a building or vehicle, the UE may no longer be able to providelocation information due to lack of a signal. But the prior informationmay be useful, and may be transferred to the WLAN/GAN AP, microcell, andto the database in the PLMN and associated with the AP.

The PLMN or other network provider or manager may utilize thisinformation in the operation of the network, to identify the location ofthe user (i.e., UE), to allow or disallow service, to redirect the userto another AP, microcell, network or GANC, or other means of definingacceptable uses, connectivity, and E911/PSAP operation, for example.Additionally, there is use of connectivity information for handoff fromcell to cell and between location areas, where connectivity has beennarrowly defined. With the use of alternative (non-cellular) networksfor access to cellular networks and services as well as additionalnon-cellular services, some of the defined cellular location informationmay not be available, although a large variety of other direct andindirect information may be available. This variety of information maybe used to significantly enhance the overall network operation andprovision (and restriction) of services within the context of thepresent patent disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 11, shown therein is a functional block diagram ofan exemplary AN server node 1100, e.g., GANC/UNC node 1100 according toone embodiment. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that ANserver node 1100 may be provided in any of the configurations depictedin FIGS. 5A and 5B described hereinabove. Regardless, AN server node1100 includes appropriate network selection logic 1102 operable toperform one or more of the procedures set forth above with respect toresolving gathered network information and service/feature requirementinformation that is provided by a UE device. Accordingly, in oneembodiment, suitable storage areas may be provided for storingservice/feature requirements 1104 as well as gathered networkinformation 1106. Database query logic 1108 is provided to facilitatedatabase query and interrogation of local and/or remote databases, e.g.,DB 1110-1 through DB 1110-N.

FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a UE device operableto perform the network discovery/selection procedures set forthaccording to the teachings of the present patent disclosure. It will berecognized by those skilled in the art upon reference hereto thatalthough an embodiment of UE 102 may comprise an arrangement similar toone shown in FIG. 12, there can be a number of variations andmodifications, in hardware, software or firmware, with respect to thevarious modules depicted. Accordingly, the arrangement of FIG. 12 shouldbe taken as illustrative rather than limiting with respect to theembodiments of the present patent disclosure. A microprocessor 1202providing for the overall control of an embodiment of UE 102 is operablycoupled to a communication subsystem 1204 which includestransmitter/receiver (transceiver) functionality for effectuatingmulti-mode communications over a plurality of bands. By way of example,a wide area wireless Tx/Rx module 1206, a GAN Tx/Rx module 1208 and anI-WLAN Tx/Rx module 1210 are illustrated. Although not particularlyshown, each Tx/Rx module may include other associated components such asone or more local oscillator (LO) modules, RF switches, RF bandpassfilters, A/D and D/A converters, processing modules such as digitalsignal processors (DSP), local memory, etc. As will be apparent to thoseskilled in the field of communications, the particular design of thecommunication subsystem 1204 may be dependent upon the communicationsnetworks with which the UE device is intended to operate. In oneembodiment, the communication subsystem 1204 is operable with both voiceand data communications.

Microprocessor 1202 also interfaces with further device subsystems suchas auxiliary input/output (I/O) 1218, serial port 1220, display 1222,keyboard 1224, speaker 1226, microphone 1228, random access memory (RAM)1230, a short-range communications subsystem 1232, and any other devicesubsystems generally labeled as reference numeral 1233. To controlaccess, a SIM/RUIM interface 1234 is also provided in communication withthe microprocessor 1202. In one implementation, SIM/RUIM interface 1234is operable with a SIM/RUIM card having a number of key configurations1244 and other information 1246 such as identification andsubscriber-related data as well as one or more SSID/PLMN lists andfilters alluded to hereinabove.

Operating system software and other control software may be embodied ina persistent storage module (i.e., non-volatile storage) such as Flashmemory 1235. In one implementation, Flash memory 1235 may be segregatedinto different areas, e.g., storage area for computer programs 1236 aswell as data storage regions such as device state 1237, address book1239, other personal information manager (PIM) data 1241, and other datastorage areas generally labeled as reference numeral 1243. Additionally,appropriate network discovery/selection logic 1240 may be provided aspart of the persistent storage for executing the various procedures,correlation techniques, service/feature requirement selection andidentification processes as well as GANC selection mechanisms set forthin the preceding sections. Associated therewith is a storage module 1238for storing the SSID/PLMN lists, selection/scanning filters, capabilityindicators, et cetera, also alluded to hereinabove.

Based on the foregoing, it should be clear that the UE device logic andhardware includes at least the following: a logic module forfacilitating identification of a set of appropriate service requirementsrelative to operating the UE device; a communication subsystem forgathering network information via scanning in at least one band and fortransmitting at least one of the network information and the servicerequirements to a network node; and a logic module for selecting a GANCfrom a set of GANCs provided by the network node, the list of GANCsbeing determined upon resolving the network information and the servicerequirements by the network node to determine an appropriate list ofGANCs operable with a plurality of wide area cellular networksidentified for the UE device, wherein the list of GANCs is transmittedto the UE device via a response message for selection by the UE device.

It is believed that the operation and construction of the embodiments ofthe present patent disclosure will be apparent from the DetailedDescription set forth above. While the exemplary embodiments shown anddescribed may have been characterized as being preferred, it should bereadily understood that various changes and modifications could be madetherein without departing from the scope of the present invention as setforth in the following claims.

1. A network selection method, comprising: gathering network informationby a user equipment (UE) device via scanning in at least one band;transmitting by said UE device at least one of said network informationand a set of service requirements to a network node; and resolving saidnetwork information and said set of service requirements by said networknode to determine an appropriate list of generic access networkcontrollers (GANCs) operable with a plurality of wide area cellularnetworks identified for said UE device, wherein said list of GANCs istransmitted to said UE device via a response message for selection bysaid UE device.
 2. The network selection method as recited in claim 1,wherein said wide area cellular networks comprise at least one of aGeneral Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, an Enhanced Data Rates forGlobal System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Evolution (EDGE) network,a 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)-compliant network, anIntegrated Digital Enhanced Network (IDEN), a Code Division MultipleAccess (CDMA) network, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System(UMTS) network, and a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network(UTRAN).
 3. The network selection method as recited in claim 1, whereineach of said GANCs is identified with a corresponding Uniform ResourceLocator (URL).
 4. The network selection method as recited in claim 1,wherein each of said GANCs is identified with a corresponding InternetProtocol (IP) address.
 5. The network selection method as recited inclaim 1, wherein said network information comprises at least one of CellGlobal Identification (CGI) information of a registered wide areacellular network, CGI information relating to available wide areacellular networks, cause values of any prior registration failures,Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) information of at least one availablewide area cellular network, and Packet Control Channel (PCCH)information of at least one available wide area cellular network.
 6. Thenetwork selection method as recited in claim 1, wherein said servicerequirements comprise at least one of voice-only services, data-onlyservices, voice-and-data services, GAN services, handover services,calling plans associated with said UE device, and location areainformation associated with said UE device.
 7. The network selectionmethod as recited in claim 1, wherein said network node comprises adefault GANC associated with said UE device.
 8. The network selectionmethod as recited in claim 1, wherein said network node comprises a homenetwork GANC associated with said UE device.
 9. The network selectionmethod as recited in claim 1, wherein said network node comprises aprovisioning GANC associated with said UE device.
 10. The networkselection method as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of saidnetwork information and said set of service requirements is transmittedby said UE device via a Generic Access—Resource Control (GA-RC) REGISTERREQUEST message.
 11. The network selection method as recited in claim10, wherein said response message comprises a GA-RC REGISTER REDIRECTmessage.
 12. A network selection system, comprising: means associatedwith a user equipment (UE) device for gathering network information viascanning in at least one band; means associated with said UE device fortransmitting at least one of said network information and a set ofservice requirements to a network node; and means associated with saidnetwork node for resolving said network information and said set ofservice requirements to determine an appropriate list of generic accessnetwork controllers (GANCs) operable with a plurality of wide areacellular networks identified for said UE device, wherein said list ofGANCs is transmitted to said UE device via a response message forselection by said UE device.
 13. The network selection system as recitedin claim 12, wherein said wide area cellular networks comprise at leastone of a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, an Enhanced DataRates for Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Evolution (EDGE)network, a 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)-compliantnetwork, an Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (IDEN), a Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA) network, a Universal Mobile TelecommunicationsSystem (UMTS) network, and a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network(UTRAN).
 14. The network selection system as recited in claim 12,wherein each of said GANs is identified with a corresponding UniformResource Locator (URL).
 15. The network selection system as recited inclaim 12, wherein each of said GANs is identified with a correspondingInternet Protocol (IP) address.
 16. The network selection system asrecited in claim 12, wherein said network information comprises at leastone of Cell Global Identification (CGI) information of a registered widearea cellular network, CGI information relating to available wide areacellular networks, cause values of any prior registration failures,Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) information of at least one availablewide area cellular network, and Packet Control Channel (PCCH)information of at least one available wide area cellular network. 17.The network selection system as recited in claim 12, wherein saidservice requirements comprise at least one of voice-only services,data-only services, voice-and-data services, GAN services, handoverservices, calling plans associated with said UE device, and locationarea information associated with said UE device.
 18. The networkselection system as recited in claim 12, wherein said network nodecomprises a default GANC associated with said UE device.
 19. The networkselection system as recited in claim 12, wherein said network nodecomprises a home network GANC associated with said UE device.
 20. Thenetwork selection system as recited in claim 12, wherein said networknode comprises a provisioning GANC associated with said UE device. 21.The network selection system as recited in claim 12, wherein at leastone of said network information and said set of service requirements istransmitted by said UE device via a Generic Access—Resource Control(GA-RC) REGISTER REQUEST message.
 22. The network selection system asrecited in claim 21, wherein said response message comprises a GA-RCREGISTER REDIRECT message.
 23. A user equipment (UE) device, comprising:a logic module for facilitating identification of a set of appropriateservice requirements relative to operating said UE device; acommunication subsystem for gathering network information via scanningin at least one band and for transmitting at least one of said networkinformation and said service requirements to a network node; and a logicmodule for selecting a generic access network controller (GANC) from aset of GANCs provided by said network node, said list of GANCs beingdetermined upon resolving said network information and said servicerequirements by said network node, wherein said list of GANCs istransmitted to said UE device via a response message for selection bysaid UE device.
 24. The UE device as recited in claim 23, wherein saidGANCs are identified with Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) correspondingto a set of GANCs that provide connectivity to wide area cellularnetworks (WACNs) identified for said UE device.
 25. The UE device asrecited in claim 23, wherein said GANCs are identified with InternetProtocol (IP) addresses corresponding to a set of GANCs that provideconnectivity to wide area cellular networks (WACNs) identified for saidUE device.
 26. The UE device as recited in claim 23, wherein saidnetwork information comprises at least one of Cell Global Identification(CGI) information of a wide area cellular network on which said UEdevice is registered, CGI information relating to available wide areacellular networks, cause values of any prior registration failures,Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) information of at least one availablewide area cellular network, and Packet Control Channel (PCCH)information of at least one available wide area cellular network. 27.The UE device as recited in claim 23, wherein said service requirementscomprise at least one of voice-only services, data-only services,voice-and-data services, GAN services, handover services, calling plansassociated with said UE device, packet data services capability, andUnlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) services capability, said servicerequirements being selectable based on location area informationassociated with said UE device.
 28. The UE device as recited in claim23, wherein said network node comprises a default GANC associated withsaid UE device.
 29. The UE device as recited in claim 23, wherein saidnetwork node comprises a home network GANC associated with said UEdevice.
 30. The UE device as recited in claim 23, wherein said networknode comprises a provisioning GANC associated with said UE device. 31.The UE device as recited in claim 23, wherein at least one of saidnetwork information and said set of service requirements is transmittedby said communication subsystem via a Generic Access—Resource Control(GA-RC) REGISTER REQUEST message.
 32. The UE device as recited in claim31, wherein said response message comprises a GA-RC REGISTER REDIRECTmessage.
 33. A generic access network controller (GANC) operable with auser equipment (UE) device disposed in a wireless environment,comprising: means for receiving at least one of network information anda set of service requirements from said UE device via a registrationrequest message; means for resolving said network information and saidset of service requirements to determine an appropriate list of genericaccess network controllers (GANCs) operable with one or more wide areacellular networks identified for said UE device; and means fortransmitting said list of GANCs to said UE device via a response messageresponsive to said registration request message.
 34. The GANC as recitedin claim 33, wherein said wide area cellular networks comprise at leastone of a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, an Enhanced DataRates for Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Evolution (EDGE)network, a 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)-compliantnetwork, an Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (IDEN), a Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA) network, a Universal Mobile TelecommunicationsSystem (UMTS) network, and a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network(UTRAN).
 35. The GANC as recited in claim 33, wherein said GANCs areidentified with Uniform Resource Locators (URLs).
 36. The GANC asrecited in claim 33, wherein said GANCs are identified with InternetProtocol (IP) addresses.
 37. The GANC as recited in claim 33, whereinsaid network information comprises at least one of Cell GlobalIdentification (CGI) information of a registered wide area cellularnetwork, CGI information relating to available wide area cellularnetworks, cause values of any prior registration failures, BroadcastControl Channel (BCCH) information of at least one available wide areacellular network, and Packet Control Channel (PCCH) information of atleast one available wide area cellular network.
 38. The GANC as recitedin claim 33, wherein said service requirements comprise at least one ofvoice-only services, data-only services, voice-and-data services, GANservices, handover services, calling plans associated with said UEdevice, packet data services capability, and Unlicensed Mobile Access(UMA) services capability, said service requirements being selectablebased on location area information associated with said UE device. 39.The GANC as recited in claim 33, wherein said network information isgathered by said UE device via scanning in at least one band.